25 Years in the Making

Tim Love opened his first restaurant, The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards, blending modern elements with the bold flavors of the American West. The inventive menu of steaks, seafood, and wild game earned widespread acclaim, including a 4.5-star rating from The Dallas Morning News and a Zagat rating of 28, the highest in Texas, and ranked among the top 50 in the U.S. The restaurant also received recognition from The Today Show, Wine Spectator, Esquire, Southern Living, Bon Appétit, and The New York Times.

In 2002, Tim Love published his cookbook, On the Lonesome Dove Trail, showcasing recipes that embody his signature urban Western cooking style. The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro earned further accolades, with American Way Magazine naming it one of the top 50 restaurants in the world and D Magazine recognizing it as one of the best in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Tim Love made history as the first Fort Worth chef to cook at the prestigious James Beard House. In a bold and adventurous move, he embarked on the Lonesome Dove Trail Drive, a 1,500-mile journey from Fort Worth to New York on American Paint Horses. Along the way, Tim and his team visited eight cities, sourcing fresh, local ingredients for the final meal. This journey earned widespread attention, culminating in Tim's appearance on The Today Show—the first time a Fort Worth chef had been featured on the program.

In October, Tim Love embarked on a second Lonesome Dove Trail Drive, this time covering nearly 2,500 miles from Fort Worth to Los Angeles. Along the way, he cooked meals for local communities, donating all proceeds to Spoons Across America, a nonprofit focused on educating children, teachers, and families about healthy eating. That same year, FW Business Press honored Lonesome Dove with the 2004 Chamber Small Business of the Year Award. In 2005, Zagat named the restaurant "The Best of Fort Worth" in their survey, further cementing its place as a local culinary icon.

Donning a cowboy hat and boots, Love appears on season four, episode eight of Iron Chef America—his first TV appearance—where he defeats Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto in a "Chile Pepper" battle. By 2007, Love's "Cowboys on the Trail" (2006), a Food Network special detailing his Lonesome Dove Trail Drive, earned a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award. Food & Wine names Best Nightlife.

Tim Love’s role as a recognized Texas culinary figure continued to grow in 2009, as he became the official chef of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, an annual event held in Zilker Park that attracts over 75,000 attendees daily over two consecutive weekends. His ability to blend the culture of the American West with innovative techniques earned him further industry recognition and placed him in the same echelon as other prominent chefs of the time. His participation in culinary festivals, media appearances, and partnerships helped to elevate his brand beyond the Stockyards.

Chef Tim Love co-founded the Austin Food and Wine Festival, where guests enjoy food, drinks, and cooking demos from top chefs with the Austin skyline as a backdrop. He made history as the first chef from Fort Worth to appear on Good Morning America and competed on The Next Iron Chef: Redemption, going head-to-head with culinary stars like Alex Guarnaschelli and Jehangir Mehta. Additionally, he was named Best Chef in Dallas/Fort Worth by D Magazine.

Fast forward, Lonesome Dove continued to earn praise for its unique blend of urban Western cuisine and sophisticated dining, remaining a popular destination in Fort Worth's historic Stockyards. As Chef Tim Love's influence expanded, so did his culinary empire, with the opening of Lonesome Dove Austin, which brought the brand’s signature Western-inspired fare to Texas' capital. Not long after, Chef Love expanded further with the debut of Lonesome Dove Knoxville, marking the brand’s first location outside of Texas and earning acclaim for its inventive take on classic Western dishes

2020 was a challenging year for the restaurant industry, but Chef Tim Love's resilience, innovation, and commitment to his community helped Lonesome Dove Fort Worth weather the storm. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Love, alongside other industry leaders, visited the White House to discuss the crisis with President Trump, advocating for an extension of the Payroll Protection Program’s eligibility period. His persistence led to a successful change in the program, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the industry. 

As Chef Tim Love enters another year of culinary leadership, Lonesome Dove Fort Worth celebrates its 25th year as a trailblazer in modern Western cuisine. Over the past quarter-century, the restaurant has set the standard for innovative dining while honoring local traditions. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Lonesome Dove continues to offer exceptional dining experiences, blending bold flavors with fresh, local ingredients. As it enters this milestone year, the restaurant remains a premier destination for discerning food lovers, showcasing Chef Love’s vision and dedication to pushing the boundaries of Texas cuisine.

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of Lonesome Dove with an unforgettable 25-course dinner, available May 2-6. Experience Chef Tim Love’s signature flavors in this once-in-a-lifetime dining event—reserve your spot today!